Brees hopeful of long-term deal with Saints

Brees acknowledged Tuesday that the offseason of distractions has slowed down negotiations. On the subject of those off-field issues, he says the NFL has produced no proof the Saints' defense engaged in a bounty system.

With training camp nearing, Brees says progress has been made on his contract in recent weeks "but there's still a ways to go."

He says "I'm hopeful that it will happen sooner than later."

Brees was in New York on Tuesday to discuss a program that provides free concussion testing for more than 3,300 middle and high schools and youth sports organizations.